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Italy, Rome, Travel

When in Rome – Part I

Do as the Romans do. And we did. We napped in the Forum, sipped cappuccino, went for a stroll and chatted about the future over dinner.

Our first day was spent admiring our view of the Church of San Giovanni and Rome’s city walls from our penthouse studio (5 floors up with no elevator) in Pilgrim’s Rome. Our landlord Gabriella (who owned a B&B across the way) was so nice! Our studio apartment had a large terrace, a bedroom off to the side, and a full bath and kitchen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is Gabriella.

After we got settled in, we set off for the Colosseum, Forum and Pantheon.

 

 

 

 

We look a little tired and sweaty here – but happy!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That first night we got lost for a few hours, and when we finally found our rental, we stopped and picked up some wine, cheese, meat and crackers to enjoy on our patio. It was exactly what we needed after walking around Rome all day.

The morning after:

Our second day in Rome was spent in Vatican City.

 

It was incredibly humid so we stopped and had some cold beer.

 

 

 

That evening we took a night walk across Rome, starting at the Spanish Steps. After the steps we splurged on dinner, then headed to the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona to people watch. We ended our walk in Campo De’ Fiori and sat and watched the young bar scene. Sort of felt like Mill Ave., but cooler since we were in Rome.

 

 

 

Rome was one of the most amazing places I’ve ever been. So much to do and see! We’re already planning our next European vacation, and it starts with Rome again! Then, France, and London and Ireland… he.he.

Part 2 to come later…

Greece, Italy, Travel

I’m Back

And it was by far the best vacation I’ve ever been on.

It’s 4 am and I can’t sleep. Wide awake. Been up since 1 am. Went to bed at 9:30. Is this what jet lag is? My eyes burn but I can’t calm my mind.

Back to my blog post.

7 cities in 18 days. I still can’t believe we did it. I’m so proud of us. Proud that we survived all the modes of transportation needed… the map reading, nights of being lost, language-barriers, sleepless nights, pushy Italian crowds, and minor hiccups along the way. There were a lot of “should’ves” and “wish we would’ves”, but also a lot of “glad we did’s” and “thank God’s”.

Here is just a glimpse of what you’ll be seeing more of (in more detail of course). I took over 2,000 pictures and can’t wait to clean them up and post them! Not all 2,000 of course, just the highlights! Still digesting them all. I still feel like I didn’t take enough! I’ll definitely be including all the food shots, as we ate some pretty amazing food. Oh, and I will try to post some videos, too. HILARIOUS.

Rome, Italy

Orvieto, Italy

Venice, Italy

Naples, Italy

Capri, Italy

Athens, Greece

Santorini, Greece

I fell in love with my husband all over again. He was the best travel partner I could have asked for. He made this trip absolutely amazing and I’m so thankful to have him in my life.

I was happiest when I was watching him eat (lots of pictures to come like the one below), or swim in the ocean, or smile at me, even when I was about to have a nervous break-down. We laughed a lot and will hold these memories in our hearts forever. Getting a little choked up now. Jeez.

I’m glad to say that I did everything I wanted to do while I was there. More on that to come!

Travel

I think I’m ready

We leave for Europe tomorrow morning. I can’t believe it’s finally here. My stomach has been in knots all week… no sleep… My heart hurts I’m so excited. I think I’m pretty much ready though!! I have the goodie bags packed up for the dogs, my travel journal (thanks Kristin!), passport wallet (thanks Heather!), a bigger memory card for my camera and my reading material. And I DID fit everything in my carry-on. BARELY.

 

 

 

I’m going to miss our sweet doggies, but I know they’ll be in good hands. I have a pretty intense itinerary planned for us but I need to remember to relax and unplug! Especially when we get to the beaches on Capri and Santorini. I have no idea what to expect… 18 days off to explore Italy & Greece and celebrate 10 years together. I’m still in disbelief that we’re finally going!

Until Sept. 20 – CIAO!!!!

Travel

Found the Bag

We’re 16 days out from our European vacation and I’m so excited my stomach hurts. Our to-do list is outrageously long, but nothing we can’t handle in the next couple of weeks. At the top of my list is a semi-large, carry-on suitcase since I won’t be checking a bag (and neither will Rob). To save money I’m borrowing a suitcase from my sister’s roommate, and I LOVE IT!!!

 

 

Next on my to-do list? Figuring out how to fit 18 days into this thing! The inside is rather spacious so I’m excited to start rolling my clothes and packing my toiletries. I’ll let you know how it goes!!

Friends, Sedona, Travel

Girls Weekend in Sedona

TravelZoo had a great deal for a one-night stay at the Sedona Rouge, so myself and 3 other girls took advantage! Here was our agenda for the 2 days:

Saturday – Arrival, poolside with Skinny Girl Margaritas, hour-long massages, jacuzzi and dinner at Elote Cafe:

The dresser in the room was to die for. I wanted to take it home!

Sunday – “JOY”oga, breakfast at the resort and then downtown Sedona for fudge, ice-cream and Body Bliss.

I had one of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had – corn-flake, cinnamon french toast with strawberries (and lots of syrup)!

These are the lovely ladies I went with:

This is Jen. She is so much fun! I absolutely love her laugh and personality. What brings Jen joy? I’d say her booming make-up business!

This is Beth. I really enjoyed getting to know her more and admire her clever sense of humor. What brings Beth joy? I’m going to say her sweet daughter, Baylor! (p.s. I would kill for her house.)

And this was our organizer for the trip, my wonderful friend, Kristin. She is so special to me! I cherish our friendship and am guaranteed happiness whenever I’m around her. What brings her joy? Creativity, details and party planning! Hint, hint – her blog and business are soon going to be up and running. So excited for her!

I had such a nice time in Sedona – a girls’ weekend was much needed. But, it was far too short!